Blondie's Treehouse, Inc.http://www.blondiestreehouse.com
Fri, 15 Feb 2019 16:50:26 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9Best Of Year Award Winner 2018 !http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/blog/best-year-award-winner-2018/
http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/blog/best-year-award-winner-2018/#respondWed, 26 Dec 2018 15:10:24 +0000http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/?p=8130Interior Design Magazine has announced their Best of Year awards and we are thrilled to announce that our project at 151 West 42nd Street has won the Corporate Office Cafeteria category. The aptly named Garden Room features our custom floor-to-ceiling living wall. This impressive curved green wall boasts 12 species and 20 varieties of plants totaling over 2,200 individual green plants, filling every inch of the nearly 1,000 square foot space.

Interior Design Magazine has announced their Best of Year awards and we are thrilled to announce that our project at 151 West 42nd Street has won the Corporate Office Cafeteria category. The aptly named Garden Room features our custom floor-to-ceiling living wall. This impressive curved green wall boasts 12 species and 20 varieties of plants totaling over 2,200 individual green plants, filling every inch of the nearly 1,000 square foot space.

]]>http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/blog/best-year-award-winner-2018/feed/0Craig Nadler, Floral Clienthttp://www.blondiestreehouse.com/testimonials/craig-nadler-floral-client/
http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/testimonials/craig-nadler-floral-client/#respondTue, 18 Dec 2018 14:25:51 +0000http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/?p=8128We cannot thank you all enough for your incredible work on Saturday! You were all such a pleasure to work with and the room looked absolutely stunning thanks to your creativity and expertise.
I lost count of how many guests commented about the gorgeous chupah, vial board and table arrangements!!!
When we first spoke over the summer I had high expectations, but you went above and beyond and we will never forget your contributions to our special day. We’ll be shouting your names from the rooftops when people ask for recommendations in the future.

]]>We cannot thank you all enough for your incredible work on Saturday! You were all such a pleasure to work with and the room looked absolutely stunning thanks to your creativity and expertise.
I lost count of how many guests commented about the gorgeous chupah, vial board and table arrangements!!!
When we first spoke over the summer I had high expectations, but you went above and beyond and we will never forget your contributions to our special day. We’ll be shouting your names from the rooftops when people ask for recommendations in the future.

325 Kent Ave is a residential building that is part of the larger Domino Sugar site being developed by Two Trees Management, Inc. The building has a noticeable ‘hole’ in the center- a playful nod to the ubiquitous ‘Sugar’ donut. The building was designed by Ismael Levya Architects, while the interiors were developed by Leeser Architecture. Blondie’s Treehouse, Inc built all three main exterior amenity spaces.

The Courtyard is 9900 SF. A central, rectilinear dry-bed leads through a random planting of large Shade trees, ferns and perennials and ends at a blackened steel water feature. The water spills into a reflecting pool that features a 12’ tall sandstone sculpture by Lluis Lleo. Two thirty foot built-in benches flank the deck that surrounds the end of the reflecting pool.

325 Kent Ave is a residential building that is part of the larger Domino Sugar site being developed by Two Trees Management, Inc. The building has a noticeable ‘hole’ in the center- a playful nod to the ubiquitous ‘Sugar’ donut. The building was designed by Ismael Levya Architects, while the interiors were developed by Leeser Architecture. Blondie’s Treehouse, Inc built all three main exterior amenity spaces.

The Courtyard is 9900 SF. A central, rectilinear dry-bed leads through a random planting of large Shade trees, ferns and perennials and ends at a blackened steel water feature. The water spills into a reflecting pool that features a 12’ tall sandstone sculpture by Lluis Lleo. Two thirty foot built-in benches flank the deck that surrounds the end of the reflecting pool.

The 16th Floor has two terraces that are nearly mirror images. At roughly 3000 SF, one of the terraces functions as an entertainment space with a built in kitchen and seating, while the other features a flush deck that acts as an outdoor yoga classroom.

The 17th Floor Roof deck is approximately 5000 SF and comprises distinct usage areas, including a 40’ long kitchen and bar area, picnic spaces, North and South lounges, conversational clusters and a raised garden of steppable plants and lounge chairs under shade trees. Blondie’s Treehouse, Inc. fabricated all of the architecture above the waterproofing membrane- including the custom kitchen, planters, edging, stairs, decking, lounges and benches.

]]>http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/blog/brilliance-lighting-award/feed/055,000 sq ft green roofhttp://www.blondiestreehouse.com/blog/55000-sq-ft-green-roof/
http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/blog/55000-sq-ft-green-roof/#respondFri, 06 Jul 2018 13:30:53 +0000http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/?p=8028This 55ksf extensive green roof serves multiple functions. While the local environment benefits from a reduction of the heat island effect, minimized storm runoff and added protection to the roof membrane, this sedum green roof transforms a series of bare, unattractive spaces into a vibrant, lush amenity for the residents of this new development. The green roof is perhaps the most visible element of the suite of high end amenities and finishes envisioned by the developer, and emblematic of the continuing evolution of this historic neighborhood.

This 55ksf extensive green roof serves multiple functions. While the local environment benefits from a reduction of the heat island effect, minimized storm runoff and added protection to the roof membrane, this sedum green roof transforms a series of bare, unattractive spaces into a vibrant, lush amenity for the residents of this new development. The green roof is perhaps the most visible element of the suite of high end amenities and finishes envisioned by the developer, and emblematic of the continuing evolution of this historic neighborhood.

Aesthetic Values (Beauty and Visibility) One of the most visible exterior elements of the brand new Skyview Parc development, the multi-level green roof melds seamlessly with the ground level park and amenity directly to the East. This harmony is one of the key functions of the green roof, achieving a cohesion with the surrounding area and transforming a series of bare rooftops into a broad, cascading waterfall of vibrant green.

The green roof, perhaps the most visible exterior feature of this gleaming new luxury development, is symbolic of the improvements to the neighborhood. The success of this project has already led to further investment in the surrounding area, with new construction and infrastructure plans pointing toward a bright new future for Flushing. The relationship between the glitzy, upscale amenities like the green roof and the records in sales is impossible to miss- the green roof is a benefit not only to the residents and the environment at large, but as an effective sales tool for developers and marketers as well.

]]>http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/blog/55000-sq-ft-green-roof/feed/0BTH | Polarmosshttp://www.blondiestreehouse.com/blog/bth-polarmoss/
http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/blog/bth-polarmoss/#respondThu, 10 May 2018 10:42:43 +0000http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/?p=7962Blondie’s is proud to be one of Polarmoss’ United States, Northeast distributors. Relying on the high-quality of Polarmoss, we have utilized their products for many years in a wide range of design applications. Whether you are in need of bulk supplies or customized design elements, Blondie’s can provide a range of services including design, custom fabrication and installation and shipment of this versatile and unique product.

Blondie’s is proud to be one of Polarmoss’ United States, Northeast distributors. Relying on the high-quality of Polarmoss, we have utilized their products for many years in a wide range of design applications. Whether you are in need of bulk supplies or customized design elements, Blondie’s can provide a range of services including design, custom fabrication and installation and shipment of this versatile and unique product.

]]>http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/blog/bth-polarmoss/feed/0Kips Bay Showhousehttp://www.blondiestreehouse.com/blog/kips-bay-showhouse/
http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/blog/kips-bay-showhouse/#respondSun, 06 May 2018 10:33:33 +0000http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/?p=7953Each year, celebrated interior designers transform a luxury Manhattan home into an elegant exhibition of fine furnishings, art and technology. Blondie’s is proud to participate in this year’s showhouse by providing the botanical decor including an exterior moss wall, water feature accents and greenery.
The Show House receives as many as 15,000 guests annually from across the nation. Since its inception, the Show House has raised over $21,000,000 for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, which currently reaches over 10,000 young people at nine locations throughout the Bronx. Today, the club is proudly one of the most prominent and responsive youth development agencies in New York City and a flagship of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Each year, celebrated interior designers transform a luxury Manhattan home into an elegant exhibition of fine furnishings, art and technology. Blondie’s is proud to participate in this year’s showhouse by providing the botanical decor including an exterior moss wall, water feature accents and greenery.
The Show House receives as many as 15,000 guests annually from across the nation. Since its inception, the Show House has raised over $21,000,000 for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, which currently reaches over 10,000 young people at nine locations throughout the Bronx. Today, the club is proudly one of the most prominent and responsive youth development agencies in New York City and a flagship of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

]]>http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/blog/cities-need-green-roofs/feed/0JEFFREY R. SUNDERLAND, CO-FOUNDER & COO | RJS COMPANIEShttp://www.blondiestreehouse.com/testimonials/7865/
http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/testimonials/7865/#respondWed, 24 Jan 2018 18:30:49 +0000http://www.blondiestreehouse.com/?p=7865We are extremely pleased with how everything turned out! Everything looks beautiful, and it all looks exactly how I originally envisioned it (and actually, it looks much better than I envisioned it would). Eva, Stanley, and Paulina were incredibly professional-they worked very hard and quite fast, and made sure at every turn that the work they were doing was exactly what we wanted. I really commend you and Eva, and Blondie’s, for being so good at your job.

]]>We are extremely pleased with how everything turned out! Everything looks beautiful, and it all looks exactly how I originally envisioned it (and actually, it looks much better than I envisioned it would). Eva, Stanley, and Paulina were incredibly professional-they worked very hard and quite fast, and made sure at every turn that the work they were doing was exactly what we wanted. I really commend you and Eva, and Blondie’s, for being so good at your job.

Safe craning in NYC is hard work but your budget will thank you: Planning and preparation are key to a safe, efficient craning operation. The details are important- lives are at stake.

Any urban roof deck installation is an elaborate and complex undertaking, especially when the fastest, most cost-effective way to deliver soil, planters, trees and decking to the roof is by crane. Reliably delivering tons of material to a site six, twelve, twenty or more stories up can take weeks with a freight elevator- or be completed in a single day with the right piece of craning equipment. These projects typically require street closures, which mean coordinating with city agencies, obtaining permits, prepping the site, scheduling deliveries and managing teams of workers and crowds of onlookers and passersby. And all that before anything is being craned- Large scale roof deck installs are not for the inexperienced.

Choose the right company and the right equipment-

When planning a project that requires a crane of any size, it’s critical to choose an experienced, professional company. From small residential projects to very large new developments, there are many variables involved, and lives are literally at stake. Finding a knowledgeable and dependable supplier is absolutely critical.

Cranes can be a big ticket item and can prompt sticker shock even on big-budget projects. Lifting equipment can cost between $10,000 and $70,000 for a single day of craning. This is another reason to work with a qualified and experienced crane operator- they’ll help to select the right equipment for the project, avoiding the mistake of paying for equipment that is larger than necessary. There are some techniques to help squeeze the most from a budget, including sharing the cost with other contractors who need their own material brought to the roof or debris removed to street level.

Logistical ballet

Once we’ve gotten through city agency alphabet soup of DOB, DOT, landmarks and parks, and a job has received the necessary permits with approved dates, it’s critical to move swiftly to choose and contract the crane, coordinate deliveries from all your suppliers, ( a challenge deserving of it’s very own article), prepare the site and make arrangements for backup plans and equipment to manage any contingencies.

We always have a forklift on site- truckers aren’t always fond of NYC and like to unload and turn around as quickly as possible. A forklift allows pallets to be moved quickly and efficiently from wherever they’ve been unloaded to exactly where the crane operator needs them to be.

Two to three days in advance of craning, we visit the site to walk through the space and make sure everything is ready for the big day. Blondie’s Treehouse’s Vice President of Operations Ian Dana prepares a rooftop to ensure that once material is being craned, it can be staged and moved efficiently to avoid any logjams. Clearing the rooftop landing site of any material and sometimes preparing a path with high density styrofoam and plywood ensures a smooth path for our material once the crane delivers it.

While on site, we also take measurements and begin planning where the crane will be set up. This is critical- the center pin of the crane is the precise location from which all calculations must be made- 50’ out at 110’ up requires previous coordination with our suppliers to ensure deliveries are below the maximum weight for each pallet to be craned at that distance. Everything must line up perfectly with landing point. Safety always always always comes first- New York City wisely requires that when winds are over 10 mph, loads must be reduced by half. If gusts exceed 20 mph, craning is prohibited and must be rescheduled. A backup plan is absolutely essential.

We prefer all inclusive companies that handle many of these elements- we love Empire Erectors, a longtime master rigger, specializing in facilitating and overseeing craning in New York City. They provide the crane, the operator, riggers, oilman, engineer, expediter and pedestrian control. From regulations on when cranes may use bridges (before 7 am) to rerouting pedestrian traffic around a worksite, master riggers expertly navigate the regulations and challenges involved in an efficient, safe installation.

Most people aren’t aware of the hundreds of hours spent preparing and supervising the installation of a modern terrace or roof deck. Those of us who spend our days planning logistics and managing installations have a unique perspective on these relaxing spaces- And an appreciation of what’s required for everything to come together as planned.

If you’re planning a roof deck, terrace or other landscape project, we can help to answer questions you don’t even know you have- Our team of experienced Project Managers and Designers is happy to talk, anytime.